Background
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common psychiatric disorder
of childhood, with average worldwide prevalence of 5.3%, varying by region.
Methods
We assessed the relationship between the prevalence of ADHD and solar intensity (SI)
(kilowatt hours/square meters/day) on the basis of multinational and cross-state studies.
Prevalence data for the U.S. were based on self-report of professional diagnoses;
prevalence data for the other countries were based on diagnostic assessment. The SI
data were obtained from national institutes.
Results
In three datasets (across 49 U.S. states for 2003 and 2007, and across 9 non-U.S.
countries) a relationship between SI and the prevalence of ADHD was found, explaining
34%–57% of the variance in ADHD prevalence, with high SI having an apparent preventative
effect. Controlling for low birth weight, infant mortality, average income (socioeconomic
status), latitude, and other relevant factors did not change these findings. Furthermore,
these findings were specific to ADHD, not found for the prevalence of autism spectrum
disorders or major depressive disorder.
Conclusions
In this study we found a lower prevalence of ADHD in areas with high SI for both U.S.
and non-U.S. data. This association has not been reported before in the literature.
The preventative effect of high SI might be related to an improvement of circadian
clock disturbances, which have recently been associated with ADHD. These findings
likely apply to a substantial subgroup of ADHD patients and have major implications
in our understanding of the etiology and possibly prevention of ADHD by medical professionals,
schools, parents, and manufacturers of mobile devices.
Key Words
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: March 25, 2013
Accepted:
February 19,
2013
Received in revised form:
February 19,
2013
Received:
December 6,
2012
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
